Protective effect of Vaccinium myrtillus L. extract against UVA-induced injury in ARPE-19 cells

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is an essential vision component of the human eye due to its nutritional and functional support to photoreceptors. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive, degenerative retinal disease characterized by RPE loss. Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure induces injurious effects on human eyes by generating excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and is responsible for photoaging. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and its extract (VME) are known for their potent antioxidant properties. In the present study, we examined the effect of VME on UVA-induced RPE injury. Using an in vitro system with human RPE (ARP E-19) cells, pretreatment with VME suppressed cell death, mitochondrial superoxide production, and activation of the stress response that occurs following UVA irradiation. Furthermore, VME attenuated rotenone-induced mitochondrial ROS and concomitant reduction in cell viability. Our findings suggest that VME has a protective effect against UVA-induced RPE cell damage.